St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) is a Church of England all-through school with a Sixth Form, located in Islington, North London. The academy offers education from Reception (age 4) through to Year 13 (age 18) and has gained a reputation for its inclusive values, strong academic outcomes, and modern facilities.
🏛️ History of the School
- Founded: 2007
- Opened as part of the UK Government’s Academy programme, sponsored by the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) in partnership with St Mary Magdalene Church.
- Designed as a distinctive Church of England school that welcomes pupils of all faiths and none.
- Built on a brand-new purpose-designed campus with striking architecture, offering excellent facilities for a 21st-century education.
👨🎓👩🎓 Pupil Numbers
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Total enrolment: Approx. 1,000+ students
- Primary Phase: ~210 pupils
- Secondary Phase (Years 7–11): ~600 pupils
- Sixth Form: ~200 students
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The school is non-selective, though the Sixth Form has academic entry requirements.
🎓 Academic Reputation
St. Mary Magdalene Academy has seen steady improvement since opening, with a strong emphasis on academic progress, personal development, and moral values. It is now regarded as one of the stronger-performing schools in the Islington borough.
📈 Exam Performance:
- GCSE Results (Recent Years):
- Progress 8 score: Above national average
- Around 70–75% of students achieve Grade 5 or above in English and Maths
- A-Level Results:
- Over 50% of grades are A–B*
- Strong performance in subjects like English Literature, Politics, Psychology, Maths, and Sciences
- Students progress to Russell Group universities, including UCL, KCL, Warwick, and occasionally Oxbridge
🏆 Ofsted & Awards
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Ofsted Rating:
- Good (latest full inspection)
- Highlighted for:
- Strong leadership and vision
- Behaviour and attitudes of pupils
- Sixth Form praised for ambition and outcomes
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Church of England SIAMS Inspection:
- Judged as Excellent for distinctiveness and effectiveness as a Church school
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Other recognition:
- Success in debating, public speaking, and STEM competitions
- Students often take part in borough-wide and national initiatives in music, art, and citizenship
🏫 St. Mary Magdalene Academy – Contact Information
School Name: St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA)
Type: Co-educational Church of England Academy (Ages 4–19)
Includes: Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form
📍 Address:
St. Mary Magdalene Academy
475 Liverpool Road
London
N7 8PG
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)20 7359 1870
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Twitter/X: @StMaryMagdalene
📝 Exam Board: School’s own test
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) in the 11+ Entrance Exam
St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) uses its own 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.
Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?
✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.
How to Use ExamTutor for St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌Derby High School 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.
✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.
2. Create a Structured Study Plan
✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management
✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.
5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance
✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.
6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress
✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.
Final Tips for Success
✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.
By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA)! 🚀
St. Mary Magdalene Academy (SMMA) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Co-educational Church of England Academy | Islington, London
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
📌 Places Available:
- PAN (Published Admission Number): 180 pupils
If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria in this order:
🔹 1. Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
Children who are in care or were previously in care, including those adopted from outside England.
🔹 2. Children with Exceptional Medical or Social Need
Must be supported by independent, professional evidence demonstrating why only SMMA can meet the child’s needs.
🔹 3. Siblings
Children who have a brother or sister currently on roll at the school and will still be attending when the applicant joins.
🔹 4. Foundation (Faith-Based) Places – Up to 45 places available
- Reserved for children who regularly attend a Church of England or other Christian church.
- Requires a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and a clergy reference.
- Applicants must attend a qualifying church at least twice per month for two years prior to application.
🔹 5. Open (Community) Places – At least 135 places
Allocated to applicants regardless of religious background and ranked by proximity to the school.
🔹 6. Tie-breaker: Distance
If oversubscribed within any category, places are awarded based on straight-line distance from the child’s home to the school gate.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7
✅ Step 1: Common Application Form (CAF)
- Apply via your home local authority (e.g. Islington Council)
- Deadline: 31st October
- Include St. Mary Magdalene Academy as one of your preferences
✅ Step 2: Complete the Supplementary Information Form (if applying for a Foundation Place)
- Only required if applying for one of the 45 faith-based places
- Submit directly to the school by 31st October
- Form available on the school website: 🔗 www.smmacademy.org
